Professional Development Events

About

The Staff Council Professional Development Committee hosts opportunities for staff to strengthen their skills, expand their knowledge and develop both personal and professional excellence. This committee works closely with 海角论坛 Human Resources and other 海角论坛 units and constituents to promote career development, professional training, continued education and staff well-being initiatives.

Review the for the most up-to-date professional development events.

Upcoming Events

May 19, 2026: Staff Council Professional Development Conference

General Information

Join us for the Staff Council Professional Development Conference on May 19. The conference takes place 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year’s theme, Goals for Growth: Kicking It with Community, focuses on building connections, strengthening our campus community and growing both professionally and personally.

Register to Attend

Registration is open now. Register by April 30 to secure your spot.

Conference Schedule

  • 8 - 9 a.m.: Coffee truck and mingling
  • 9 - 9:50 a.m.: Conference welcome and keynote speakers
  • 10 -10:50 a.m.: Breakout Session 1
  • 11 - 11:50 a.m.: Breakout Session 2
  • noon - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch break
  • 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Engagement activities at Health Sciences, Volker, and Springfield campuses

Keynote speakers include:

  • : 海角论坛 alumnus, KC Comets player and entrepreneur
  • : 海角论坛 alumna, co-founder of Cafe Corazon and artist

More conference details will be released as we get closer to the event date.

Call for Presenters

We’re seeking dynamic presenters ready to help our staff community level up. Session proposals are now being accepted for topics including collaboration, community engagement, leadership development, wellness, innovation, team building, and professional growth. Have an idea for an interactive workshop, panel discussion or skill-building session? Submit your proposal by April 10 using the conference proposal form. Know someone who would be a great presenter? Refer them to share their expertise and be entered into a special raffle.

Past Events

February 2026: Digital Accessibility 

Review the February 2026 .

November 2025 Wellness Series

Email staffcouncil@umkc.edu (link opens in new window) to request slides and presentation materials.

Creating a comfortable workstation

  • Presenter: Jennifer Thornhill, Assistive Tech and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
  • Description: Learn how to make your workstation more comfortable and productive, whether on-site or at home. Explore optimal positions for sitting or standing and discover tools to adjust your setup. Ergonomics affects all aspects of daily life. 

Improving access and inclusion for employees with disabilities 

  • Presenter: Bea Bohrer, MSEd, MAT, ACTC, Doctoral Student and ELEVATE Transition Fellow, University of Kansas Special Education Department and KU Center on Disabilities
  • Description: This session provides an overview of accessibility, inclusion and universal design, with actionable steps employers can take to improve access and inclusion for employees with disabilities.

Mindfulness meditation for a better you

  • Presenter: Makini King, Assistant Dean for Engagement and Well-being, School of Dentistry
  • Description: Participants will learn how mindfulness practice shapes life and reduces stress, and will practice various methods of mindfulness meditation.

Navigating tomorrow with care: Creating a consent-centered workplace

  • Presenter: Aly Frydman, Outreach and Prevention Education Coordinator, Resources, Intervention, Support and Education (RISE)
  • Description: Explore how consent-centered and trauma-informed practices can be integrated into workplaces. Participants will gain understanding of these practices, receive actionable implementation tips and engage in an interactive reflection activity. 

Love & PIES: Centering authentic relationships and connections in our work

  • Presenter: Zach Parker, Assistant Director of Student Support Services
  • Description: This session explores how care, authenticity and connection shape our work. Through discussion, activity and reflection, participants will consider how centering love can transform professional and personal life.

Accessibility at Staff Council Events